Genesis 4:3-5 - A right heart, a right offering
Scripture:
Genesis 4:3-5
3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering
to the Lord of the fruit of the ground.
4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of
their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his
offering;
5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became
very angry and his countenance fell.
NASU
Thoughts:
What was wrong with Cain's offering? Why did God not have regard for
it? One theory is that God's displeasure was due to Cain bringing
the wrong kind of sacrifice. He brought grain, rather than an animal
sacrifice. For this to be an offering for his sin, an animal should
have been brought. But I don't think that is what is going on here.
First, Cain did not keep livestock, but raised crops:
Genesis 4:2
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
NASU
Therefore, bringing an offering of grain was bringing what he had to
give, just as Abel did. Second, the Law
had not yet been given, and so the idea of an animal offering had not
yet been revealed, even if it may be implied by the animal skins God
prepared to cover Adam and Eve's shame.
No, I believe that Cain's offering was unacceptable not because of what
it was, but how it was given. I believe Cain's heart was not right
when he brought the offering. His selfish response to the Lord's
displeasure (verse 5b) which then boils over to murder (verse 8b) I
think confirms this:
Genesis 4:8b
And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up
against Abel his brother and killed him.
NASU
God cares more about our hearts, than what we bring in our hands. It
would appear that Abel's sacrifice was acceptable because it was an
outward expression of his right relationship with God. Cain's however,
was unacceptable because his heart was far away from God.
Prayer:
I thank You God, that Your posture towards mankind is "come as you
are." Your desire is for a relationship with me and every other person
who has ever lived. It is not perfection in our flesh or flashy
offerings that You desire. You desire humble hearts which You then
clean up by Your power. Continue Your sanctifying work in me!
Amen